RALEIGH – The following are highlights from this week at the N.C. Department of Transportation. The stories below are also featured in NCDOT Now, the department's weekly newscast.
I-26 Connector
A long-anticipated project that will improve safety, reduce congestion and enhance regional connectivity is marking a major milestone in western North Carolina.
This week, the N.C. Department of Transportation held a groundbreaking ceremony in Asheville for the Interstate 26 Connector. Once complete, the project will connect I-26 and create a continuous interstate route between the mountains of western North Carolina and the Port of Charleston in South Carolina.
“The Connector will improve interstate connectivity and improve safety for all. It will improve connectivity for the movement of goods and services and people who travel through the corridor,” said Transportation Secretary Daniel Johnson.
The project includes new interchanges, bridge construction, multi-use paths and improved pedestrian and bicycle connections. The $1.8 billion project is expected to be complete in late 2031.
NCGTP and U.S. Navy
Gov. Josh Stein recently announced an agreement between the N.C. Global TransPark and the U.S. Navy that will bring more than 400 jobs to eastern North Carolina.
The 10-year agreement means the Global TransPark will house a facility for the Navy to maintain, repair and overhaul its C-130 aircraft and HH-60 Blackhawk helicopters.
State lawmakers previously approved a $350 million loan so the TransPark could make site improvements to accommodate the U.S. Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center East facility.
The military expects to start using the Kinston facility in July, with the first aircraft arriving in the fall.
NCDOT Model Bridge Building Competition
Aspiring engineers are celebrating their performance in the statewide round of the NCDOT Model Bridge Building Competition.
Middle and high school students from across North Carolina designed and constructed model bridges out of balsa wood, prepared written reports and presentations, and then had their bridges load tested and scored for efficiency.
The students left with cash prizes and encouragement to pursue careers in civil engineering and public service.
For more information about NCDOT Now, contact the NCDOT Communications Office at (919) 707-2660. Additional news stories from throughout the week can be found on
NCDOT.gov.